To help protect pets, wildlife and children, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced April 1, 2009 a new regulation that will require the addition of a bittering agent to all antifreeze sold at the consumer level in British Columbia. The first of its kind in Canada, the new regulation is scheduled to take effect 2011.

It is hoped that the addition of a bittering agent to highly toxic ethylene glycol antifreeze will make antifreeze less appealing than the current sweet-tasting product. While the BC SPCA acknowledges this is a step in the right direction that will undoubtedly save lives, consumers should still be encouraged use less-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze. Propylene glycol antifreeze is slightly more expensive but is non-toxic to pets and wildlife. 

Antifreeze facts

All cars, trucks, buses, and farm tractors use antifreeze to help prevent their engines from freezing over in the winter and over-heating in the summer.  

Antifreeze is the yellow-greenish liquid that is poured into radiators and circulates through engines to keep them operating at safe temperatures. Conventional antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is very poisonous - to people and animals. A single teaspoon will kill a cat and a tablespoonful will kill a 10-pound dog. Thousands of animals (pets and wildlife) die each year from antifreeze poisoning. Antifreeze leaks from automobiles and is spilled in garages and onto pavement due to careless fluid changes. In other instances anitifreeze has been used to deliberately poison animals as an act of cruelty.

Many animals like the sweet taste of antifreeze and will readily consume it when given the opportunity. However, antifreeze, even in the smallest amounts, can have a very harmful and often fatal effect to your pet. Most animal ingestions take place in the fall, winter, and early spring, which are the seasons when antifreeze is most frequently used. As many as 88% of animal encounters with the toxin will end in fatality.

If pet owners suspect their animal has ingested antifreeze they must seek veterinary aid for their animal. YOUR PET WILL NOT RECOVER ON HIS OR HER OWN. Time is critical as within minutes your pet begin to experience kidney damage. Read more about the what to do if you think your pet has ingested antifreeze.

Use animal-friendly antifreeze

Fortunately, there is a less toxic alternative to the ethylene glycol-based antifreeze that is most commonly used. Pet-friendly antifreeze is propylene glycol-based and is now available at some retail outlets or through your local automotive centre. If your mechanic isn't using pet-safe antifreeze ask them to special order if for your. It may cost a few dollars more but it could save animals' lives. You can download our campaign poster and provide it to others to explain why they should make the switch.

Animal-friendly antifreeze has anti-corrosive properties, is biodegradable, and is recyclable, making propylene-based antifreeze a better choice for the safety of pets and wildlife, personal health, vehicle engine protection, and for the environment. Make the switch today!

Pet- and wildlife-friendly antifreeze is available in 85 Lordco locations throughout the province. Uni-Select Automotive also offers these products in 700 nation-wide locations and also supply these items to more than 2,000 automotive centres.

Customers can request propylene glycol anti-freeze from their automotive service centre or purchase it separately and ask that their auto centre install the product.

What can you do to help?

• Download our poster today and help spread the word! (pdf 356KB)

• Mop up spills and dispose of antifreeze properly

• Take old antifreeze to an auto centre that recycles antifreeze - call ahead to check or contact the Recycling Council of BC at 1-800-667-4321 for a list of outlets.

• Never pour used antifreeze down storm drains, sinks, toilets or on the ground.